The Move to Criminalise Amyl Nitrite

Amyl Nitrites (known as “amyl” or “poppers”) are a part of life for many queer Australians, particularly gay men. A prescription level relaxant, it has been used as a party drug and sex aid for decades.

Now, the Therapeutic Goods Administration has proposed criminalising amyl, moving it to the same classification as heroin. Since amyl is a non-addictive substance with significantly lower health risks, many in the queer community are seeing this move as an act of discrimination.

Producer/Presenter:

Daniel Butler

Featuring:

Dr Daniel Demant, Lecturer in Public Health, University of Technology Sydney

*Due to the number of submissions, the TGA has delayed its final decision and extended the deadline for community feedback. There will be public forums held in Sydney and Melbourne early next year.